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disease information

Diabetes (Type 2)

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body is unable to process sugars and starches properly and turn them into energy. The main hormone in the body responsible for this process is insulin. If you have diabetes your insulin does not function properly, or it may be produced in insufficient quantities, or not produced at all. As a result, glucose stays in the bloodstream rather than being moved to the cells, which causes a wide range of symptoms that, if left untreated, can lead to complications or even death.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both related to insulin dysfunction, but the major difference is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented, while type 1 cannot. In type 1 diabetes, the cause is still largely unknown, whereas in type 2 diabetes the disease is strongly linked to lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise. Type 2 diabetes is also more likely to occur if you’re middle aged or older.

Most cases of type 2 diabetes occur in people who are overweight. Studies have found that the risk of developing diabetes increases between 4.5% - 9% with each kilogram of weight gain. 1 The percentage of the population that’s obese is increasing in line with worsening diets. This is especially true in developed countries where food is higher in sugar and saturated fat, and lifestyles are more sedentary. In correlation with this, the number of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is steadily rising.

Diabetes is usually diagnosed through either a urine or blood test. Urine tests measure the level of glucose present in a sample of urine, but these are not conclusive and need to be followed up with a blood test. Two common blood tests for diagnosing diabetes are: 2

  • Fasting plasma glucose test (FPG): this tests the level of glucose in the blood plasma after the person has not eaten for at least eight hours. 2
  • Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): A glucose solution is swallowed and then blood is drawn at regular intervals in order to measure glucose and insulin levels. 2

If you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes you may be able to control your symptoms by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and with monitoring of your blood glucose levels. However, since diabetes is a progressive disease you may eventually require medication in addition to changing your lifestyle.

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Last Updated 29/04/2009 08:37:11
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